Each week this season AHSFHS.org will post games of the week provided by our forum friends better known as the "Barber Shop Gurus". Welcome TheMUBM, Kodyaufan2 and Sloth Nationzz as they analyze games of their choice and even give us a prediction for each contest.

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TheMUBM Week 13 Games

Last Week:  4-0    Season Total:  43-9

(#2)  Hoover (10-2) at  (#7)  Hewitt-Trussville (8-3)  at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium Hoover   Hewitt-Trussville 10-2 (7-0)  Record 8-3 (5-2) 7A-R3  Class/Region 7A-R3 #2  ASWA Ranking #7 89.1  Power Rating 90.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Hewitt-Trussville as a 3 point favorite. Last Meeting:   The Hoover Buccaneers defeated Hewitt-Trussville by a score of 8-7 in week 4 on the road  on Fri., Sep. 13 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Hewitt-Trussville and Hoover have met 29 times on the field.... Hoover holds a 23-6 edge in the games played. Comments:    Hoover is coming off a blowout win of R4 #1 James Clemens in the first round while Hewitt comes in with a convincing 56-14 win over Bob Jones in the first round.     Hoover struggled offensively earlier in the year. They only managed 7 on HT the first time these two met. Two weeks ago Hoover started Jonah Winston (Jameis Winston's brother) at QB and he has produced. They played tough against Thompson and then lit up the scoreboard against James Clemens.     Hewitt Trussville has always been known as an offense first type of team, but their defense was the star last week. Sure, they put up 56 points, but they only allowed 14 to BJHS, and only gave up 34 total yards in the first half.     It's awfully difficult to beat a team twice, especially when that team is Hoover. Hoover's offense has gotten better as the season has went on, but Hewitt Trussville's defense has also gotten better. I really want to say Hewitt will win this game, but it's Hoover and I don't see them losing twice to HT in one season.   Prediction:  Hoover 31 Hewitt Trussville 21

(#10)  Hartselle (9-3) at  Gadsden City (6-4)  at Titan Stadium Hartselle   Gadsden City 9-3 (5-1)  Record 6-4 (4-2) 6A-R7  Class/Region 6A-R8 #10  ASWA Ranking NR 77.0  Power Rating 83.1 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Gadsden City as a 8 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Gadsden City Titans defeated Hartselle by a score of 22-15 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 17 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Gadsden City and Hartselle have met 3 times on the field.... Hartselle holds a 2-1 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Hartselle is coming off a tough victory over Center Point 28-18 while Gadsden City comes in after absolutely dominating the Gardendale Rockets, 44-16. These teams met in week 4 of the regular season (the fifth week of competition) and it was a barnburner than Hartselle pulled out 31-28.

Hartselle is on their third QB of the season, Peyton Steele. From what I understand, Lee is still playing some too at the QB position. Of course Hartselle will lean heavily on Lincoln Bryant and Ri Fletcher out of the backfield.

Worthy and Yow combined for 225 yards on 18 carries with 2 TD's against Gardendale. Gabriel Britton also knocked home three field goals, including an impressive 50 yarder.

Hartselle has struggled some here at the end of the season, barely getting by teams like Decatur and Athens, while Gadsden City has scored over 40 points in 5 straight games. I really think these are two teams going in opposite directions. But you can never count out Hartselle.

Prediction:  Gadsden City 28 Hartselle 17

(#6)  Guntersville (9-2) at  John Carroll (3-7)  at John Carroll Field Guntersville   John Carroll 9-2 (5-1)  Record 3-7 (1-5) 5A-R8  Class/Region 5A-R5 #6  ASWA Ranking NR 79.3  Power Rating 70.6 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Guntersville as a 7 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Guntersville Wildcats defeated John Carroll by a score of 20-17 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 17 during the 2023 football season. Series:   John Carroll and Guntersville have met 12 times on the field.... Guntersville holds a 9-3 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Guntersville handled Springville pretty easily in the opening round, while John Carroll went on the road and knocked off Fairview. I am sure some would see that as an upset, but really John Carroll was the better team.

The Wildcats put up 422 offensive yards against Springville, with 330 coming via the ground game. Guntersville only loss on the season was to Arab 29-19. Guntersville has hung that hat on a stingy defense this year, only give up 10 points per game.

John Carroll comes in having two losses on the season. Those losses were to Ramsay and Pleasant Grove, so no shame in that. McFadden hooked up with Archer three times through the air, giving John Carroll their three td's on the night against Fairview.

John Carroll's much tougher schedule will continue to pay off for them here in this postseason.

Prediction:  John Carroll 20 Guntersville 16

(#7)  Lynn (11-1) at  (#7)  Coosa Christian (4-6)  at Phillip Ellen Stadium Lynn   Coosa Christian 11-1 (7-0)  Record 4-6 (1-5) 1A-R5  Class/Region 2A-R6 #7  ASWA Ranking #7 55.4  Power Rating 63.5 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Coosa Christian as a 10 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Coosa Christian Conquerors defeated Lynn by a score of 28-6 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 17 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Coosa Christian and Lynn have met 2 times on the field.... Coosa Christian holds a 2-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Let's not beat around the bush. This could likely be for the 1A North Championship. Lynn is coming off a 53-7 drubbing of Shoals Christian, while Coosa comes in having gone on the road and blanking a good Spring Garden team 28-0.

Lynn has a high powered offense, averaging 45+ on the season behind the arm of Cale Tittle. Their only loss was to the larger Alabama Christian 30 to 20.

Coosa Christian is known to most people as their season has been interesting to say the least. And while some of the games will count as losses, Coosa has shutout 7 teams on the field this year. Two other games they gave up 6 and 7 respectively, and then lost 26-0 to a larger very good Geraldine team.

So here we have it. Lynn averaging 45 a game and Coosa giving up 3.5 a game. Something has to give here. There is that old cliche of defense wins championships, which I don't necessarily ascribe to, but I do think it wins this game.

Prediction:  Coosa Christian 22 Lynn 6

kodyaufan2 Week 13 Games

Last Week:  4-0    Season Total:  34-12

Charles Henderson (0-9) at  Gulf Shores (4-6)  at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium Charles Henderson   Gulf Shores 0-9 (0-6)  Record 4-6 (4-4) 5A-R2  Class/Region 6A-R1 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 73.9  Power Rating 81.9 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Gulf Shores as a 10 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Gulf Shores Dolphins defeated Charles Henderson by a score of 41-0 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 17 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Gulf Shores and Charles Henderson have met one time on the field.... Gulf Shores holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    With Central Clay County's loss last week, Gulf Shores may be the prohibitive favorite in 5A South, but they'll have to get through the defending state runner-up in Charles Henderson.

By this point in the season I'm sure you've probably heard about Gulf Shores' Ronnie Royal, the electrifying 4 star Athlete. The NC State commit had 3 kick return TDs in the Dolphins' final regular season game, and added another punt return TD in their 1st round game. But Royal is far from their entire offense. RB Kolin Wilson is coming off his ninth 100 yard rushing performance of the season, this time with 15 carries for 146 yards and 4 TDs. It's pick your poison for opposing defenses against this offense.

On paper, Charles Henderson might be the most talented team left in the South, but they've had an up-and-down season. Their opening loss to 7A Mary G. Montgomery was understandable, but two inexplicable losses to region foes Carroll and Rehobeth nearly saw this team miss the playoffs entirely. The connection between QB Parker Adams and Jywon Boyd is potent, as this offense has scored at least 24 points in every. game since that opener against MGM. Blue-chip prospect Zion Grady, a Junior edge rusher, recently committed to Alabama, so he's sure to be out to prove his worth to that coaching staff.

In the preseason, this would've been a matchup many people expected to see in the semifinals, but we're getting it two weeks earlier. Ronnie Royal is going to get his, so it really comes down to containing the Dolphins' run game. This Charles Henderson from 7 is talented, but so far no one has been able to do that.

Prediction:  Gulf Shores 27, Charles Henderson 17

(#4)  Mars Hill (11-1) at  Madison Academy (7-5)  at Bill Washington Stadium Mars Hill   Madison Academy 11-1 (7-0)  Record 7-5 (6-2) 3A-R7  Class/Region 4A-R8 #4  ASWA Ranking NR 80.3  Power Rating 79.4 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Madison Academy as a 1 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Mars Hill Panthers defeated Madison Academy by a score of 34-7 in week 1 on the road  on Fri., Aug. 23 during the 2024 football season. Series:   Madison Academy and Mars Hill have met 2 times on the field.... The teams have both won 1 game.

Comments:    What a matchup this is! I know the folks up in North Alabama have been wanting to see this matchup for a long time, and they'll finally get it. These two private school Goliaths routinely knock off schools much larger than them, so this is as good a matchup as you'll get this early in the postseason.

Madison Academy played a nearly perfect game offensively last week against Hokes Bluff. QB Jake Poldiak completed all 14 of his passes for 177 yards and 3 TDs. Ten of those passes were caught by Jackson Reece for 101 yards. RBs Ken Cherry and Josh Williams each combined for nearly 400 yards. Cherry had 11 carries for 201 yard, while Williams ran for 175 yards. On top of averaging 53 points per game on offense, their defense allows less than 10 a game.

The run blocking is what initially catches your eye about Mars Hill. They've made a name for themselves out of bullying teams from higher classifications, and most of them are playoff teams. Their casualties this year included 6A Cullman, 4A Brooks, 5A Russellville, and 5A Scottsboro. But a few weeks ago, Lauderdale County beat them at their own game, to everyone's surprise. They've responded well since then, but have they faced anyone as good as Madison Academy?

Madison Academy has had a much weaker schedule, but Mars Hill is battle-tested from several close games. Mars Hill will probably hope for a shootout, but either way it should be a good one.

Prediction:  Madison Academy 31, Mars Hill 21

Millry (8-4) at  (#4)  Elba (10-2)  at Tiger Stadium Millry   Elba 8-4 (5-2)  Record 10-2 (6-1) 1A-R1  Class/Region 1A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking #4 55.3  Power Rating 60.6 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Elba as a 7 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Elba Tigers defeated Millry by a score of 47-28 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 17 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Elba and Millry have met 2 times on the field.... Elba holds a 2-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    This is yet another matchup of two teams that were among preseason favorites to reach the state championship game. There will likely be offensive fireworks in this one.

Elba has Alvin Henderson. Nothing else really needs to be said. The Sophomore RB leads the state in every major rushing category. He has 2,373 yards on just 134 carries (a whopping 17.3 yards per carry) and 47 TDs, and sits just 10 rushing TDs shy of the single season record for Alabama. And the most amazing part? He has yet to play much in the 2nd half of a game. He might be the favorite to win Mr. Football at this point.

Millry QB Daylon Edmunds has plenty of options to choose from at receiver with four of five guys that contribute at the position. Two-way star Jaylen Manuel is a special player with a nose for the ball. This team likes to throw the ball all over the place, but they found the going much more difficult against defending champs Leroy a couple weeks ago as they were shutout 26-0. They still moved the ball pretty well in that one, but were unable to finish drives.

The Millry defense is good enough to keep them in just about any game, but Elba already managed to score 38 on a Georgiana team that has only given up 43 the entire rest of the season. Millry will have to play almost perfect offensively to stay with Elba, because no one is stopping a healthy Alvin Henderson.

Prediction:  Elba 48, Millry 34

Winterboro (8-3) at  Pickens County (4-7)  at G.S. Spruill Stadium Winterboro   Pickens County 8-3 (4-1)  Record 4-7 (4-3) 1A-R6  Class/Region 1A-R5 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 29.5  Power Rating 46.3 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Pickens County as a 19 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Pickens County Tornados defeated Winterboro by a score of 32-29 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 17 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Pickens County and Winterboro have met 2 times on the field.... Pickens County holds a 2-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Other than UMS-Wright's win over Central Clay County, Winterboro's 42-37 victory over Decatur Heritage might have been the biggest upset of the 1st round. Now they'll take on an established powerhouse in Pickens County.

Two losses in region play led to a disappointing 3 seed for Pickens County, but this isn't new territory for the Tornados. Since 2016, they've reached the Semifinals every year, with four state championship appearances in those seven years. Three of those runs came without winning their region title. Safety Korbit Sommerville leads what is always an athletic and physical defense. Receivers Santonio Jones and Kemaurion Plott give them a pair of talented receivers on the outside, while RB Rozowicz Cunningham heads their rushing attack.

Winterboro is a great underdog story and has been playing inspired football as of late. They faced Victory Christian in a winner-takes-all game for a playoff spot in the last week of region play, and put up 53 points in a decisive victory. They've since knocked off 3A Childersburg to end the regular season, followed by the thrilling victory over Decatur Heritage. The Bulldogs got off to a fast start in their playoff opener, jumping out to a 20-0 lead before Decatur Heritage closed it to 20-17 before the half. The second half saw no less than four lead changes, including two in the final two minutes. Winterboro had TD runs of 90, 73, 69, 54, and 75 yards as part of a 531 yard rushing effort.

Pickens County is certainly a completely different animal than Decatur Heritage. The Tornados have failed to reach the Quarterfinals just twice since 2010. Winterboro will need another fast start to make this a game.

Prediction:  Pickens County 46, Winterboro 24

Sloth Nationzz Week 13 Games

Last Week:  1-3    Season Total:  37-11

Andalusia (7-5) at  (#1)  Jackson (11-1)  at Legion Field Andalusia   Jackson 7-5 (5-1)  Record 11-1 (6-0) 5A-R2  Class/Region 4A-R1 NR  ASWA Ranking #1 80.3  Power Rating 79.7 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Jackson as a 1 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Jackson Aggies defeated Andalusia by a score of 31-7 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 17 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Jackson and Andalusia have met 13 times on the field.... Jackson holds a 7-6 edge in the games played.

Comments:    These two are some of the best teams in Class 4A. With the Jackson Aggies, who have crushed everyone in sight this year, versus Andalusia, who has also crushed almost everyone besides Catholic Montgomery. Landon Duckworth, remember that name he is a big time recruit, and he is only a sophomore. He has thrown for over 1,800 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns to three interceptions.

Andalusia has a big time running back recruit with overs all across the country in J'Marion Burnette. These two faced last year in the first round, but both teams are different in their own rights. This may be one of the most evenly matched games of the season. Both teams have faced similar strength of schedule. I would slightly lean toward Andalusia's schedule, but not by much. Can Jackson take the next step and knock out the reigning champions?

Or will Andalusia be able to show their playoff experience over Jackson and take home the victory? My concern for Andalusia is this matchup feels very similar to when they faced Catholic Montgomery. Jackson is a very athletic, high powered offense. Andalusia led Catholic in that game, but it felt like fatigue might have gotten to the Bulldogs in the second half. My concern for the Aggies is can they take that next step toward being a title contender. If you can beat Andalusia, you will gain the respect of the state. There is an old saying, ''To be the man, you gotta beat the man!'' If you beat Andalusia, or if you're Andalusia you have to beat Jackson and could face the Handley Tigers the next week if Handley wins. Who will win this game?

I think the Jackson Aggies take the next step, and beat Andalusia. I think it is a similar matchup to Catholic Montgomery. Give me the Aggies to continue their quest for a state title. Duckworth leads the Aggies to a victory.

Prediction:  Jackson 35 Andalusia 28

Randolph County (7-4) at  St. James (6-5)  at Carlisle Field Randolph County   St. James 7-4 (4-2)  Record 6-5 (6-1) 3A-R4  Class/Region 4A-R3 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 54.9  Power Rating 59.7 AHSFHS Power Ratings have St. James as a 7 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The St. James Trojans defeated Randolph County by a score of 41-6 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 17 during the 2023 football season. Series:   St. James and Randolph County have met one time on the field.... St. James holds a 1-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    The 3A State champions will be tested at their home field against the Randolph County Tigers. The Tigers are 7-1 on the road in AHSAA playoff history. You rarely see teams with winning records, let alone one that high. The Tigers run a variety of offensive formations, but last week against the WS Neal Eagles, their Wishbone formation is what helped them come back and win the game.

Saint James had their Friday night off after smashing Opp on Thursday night. We have seen the Saint James defense struggle at times this season, however outside of the 5A Carroll Eagles, they have handled their business in 3A competition in the second half of the season, which included holding 9-1 Trinity to just eight points. The leader for the Trojans is KJ Jackson, who threw five touchdown passes against Opp last week.

His right hand man is Clint Houser, who had four touchdowns last week. The Tigers have Avion Willis, who plays quarterback and defensive back, where he is a ballhawk. So we get to see the matchup between Jackson vs Willis. Will the Tigers knock off the reigning champs? Or will the Trojans get a victory and move on.

While the Trojans used to have second round demons, those are no more and the Trojans get the victory over the Tigers. Randolph County's wishbone will give the Trojans fits, but the Trojans offense will be too much.

Prediction:  Saint James 35 Randolph County 24

Loachapoka (5-5) at  Brantley (6-4)  at Brantley Field Loachapoka   Brantley 5-5 (4-2)  Record 6-4 (4-3) 2A-R4  Class/Region 1A-R2 NR  ASWA Ranking NR 38.5  Power Rating 34.8 AHSFHS Power Ratings have Loachapoka as a 2 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The Brantley Bulldogs defeated Loachapoka by a score of 14-12 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 17 during the 2023 football season. Series:   Brantley and Loachapoka have met 6 times on the field.... Brantley holds a 6-0 edge in the games played.

Comments:    Well Loachapoka's historic season faces one of its biggest test of the year. The Brantley Bulldogs struggled during the season. However, they have woke up, and are playing their best football at the best time. They smashed a very good Linden team last Thursday, 42-17.

Beating Linden will get you respect, but crushing Linden will get you a lot of attention. Loachapoka handled their first round opponent as expected. But now they have to go on the road and play at Brantley. Playing at Brantley is quite the hornets nest to play at. A tough road environment with proud passionate fans. Brantley has beaten Loachapoka everytime, but they last played in 2014.

Can Loachapoka win this, and prove they are a 1A title contender? Or will Brantley's program history prevail and continue their quest for a title.

I think Loachapoka will be tested, but they will prevail. I think Brantley will get out to an early lead, but the Indians come back and get the victory. Give me Loachapoka to continue their season.

Prediction:  Loachapoka 22 Brantley 21

(#1)  Highland Home (12-0) at  B.B. Comer (3-7)  at Legion Stadium Highland Home   B.B. Comer 12-0 (6-0)  Record 3-7 (2-4) 2A-R3  Class/Region 3A-R4 #1  ASWA Ranking NR 62.0  Power Rating 63.5 AHSFHS Power Ratings have B.B. Comer as a 4 point favorite.

Last Meeting:   The B.B. Comer Tigers defeated Highland Home by a score of 21-14 in the second round of the playoffs on the road  on Fri., Nov. 17 during the 2023 football season. Series:   B.B. Comer and Highland Home have met 4 times on the field.... The teams have both won 2 games.

Comments:    A rematch of last year's state semifinals, we get this matchup in the second round. The Tigers handled Highland Home last season in that game. However as we have discussed this is a new year and new teams.

BB Comer still has their all star running back, Kamore Harris. Highland Home have their own two highly recruited stars in CJ May, and Jakaleb Faulk. You do not see many 2A schools with the talent of those two players right there. When Highland Home played Reeltown, the two teams stats were almost dead even, outside of one thing: Turnovers.

Turnovers killed them that night, so they will look to not have that end their season on Friday night. BB Comer has been ranked number one most of the season, but that does not matter anymore. Can BB Comer continue their march to a title game to avenge their loss to Fyffe? Or will Highland Home show that they can contend for a title?

I think this will be a close football game. It is a coin flip, but my coin has landed on the side of BB Comer. Give me BB Comer to win and advance on.

Prediction:  BB Comer 26 Highland Home 24